Upside 'tremendous' for S.C. athlete

South Carolina remains squarely in the mix for a Palmetto state prospect who has intriguing versatility.

Nobody knows for sure what position Scott's Branch senior Jerrell Adams will play at the next level, but considering his athleticism, few of the schools recruiting him have any concerns about that. They'll worry now about landing him and figure out a position later.

Adams is a 6-foot-4, 220-pound quarterback for the Eagles. However, he's a highly recruited tight end, defensive end and outside linebacker. Everybody seems to have a different opinion on where he fits best at the next level.

"I really don't know yet," Adams said of his best position. "I just know that wherever they put me at I'm going to do well. I just use my athleticism to get all over the field."

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Adams doesn't really have a position preference, so he may ultimately just pick a school and let them decide. Currently, he's considering USC, Clemson, Florida, Oregon and Auburn. He doesn't have a favorite, though USC has long been believed to be among his leaders.

Adams has put much of his recruitment on hold. He's taking calls from coaches, but he hasn't started setting up official visits and likely won't make a decision until January or February.

If he ends up in Columbia, Adams would likely play defensive end - a need position and area of focus for the Gamecocks, who are also chasing Jadeveon Clowney - or tight end.

Scott's Branch coach Leonard Johnson believes it underrates Adams' ability to try and tag him with a position.

"He can play any place on the field he wants to play," Johnson said. "He's just that versatile. We've used him in a lot of places, because he is just so athletic."

Adams literally has done everything for the Eagles.

Using his elite chess piece to create advantageous matchups, especially on defense, Johnson has played him at strong safety. Adams will also become a shutdown corner when the Eagles need to limit an opposing receiver. Against running teams, he's guaranteed to be down in the box as an end or outside linebacker.

Though he currently lacks the bulk of prototypical defensive ends like Clowney, Adams could fill out and eventually have the ideal build to play end in the SEC. Johnson figures he'll gain at least 15 to 20 pounds in his first year of college and likely get even faster. Adams has been timed at 4.53 in the 40-yard dash.